Deathless

In the 28,813th year, Dreamcloud Marsh.

An earthen city rose from the ground, complete with a royal palace and a Shaman Terrace...

More than a dozen shamans in black robes gathered around a bonfire, wearing Nuo Masks as they chanted intricate, tongue-twisting shamanic curses and danced without cease...

Below them stood Shi Tianzun in a dark crimson ruler's robe, along with his younger brother Shi Tianfeng and a host of household retainers and nobles...

It could not be helped. Supporting shamans and believing in [Eastern Sovereign Taiyi] were instincts ingrained in nearly every subject under the Jing Son of Heaven.

Even for a king, changing customs and transforming old ways could not be done in a day.

Though this might incur the displeasure of the great demons of Parasol Tree Golden Platform, Shi Tianzun did it anyway.

More than that, a secret thought lingered in his heart—The great demons may be trusted, but not completely. If I do not bring in shamans to keep them in check, who will truly have the final say in this kingdom?

Crack!

The leading shaman reached into the flames and drew out a turtle shell covered in cracks. He respectfully presented it to Shi Tianzun and cried, "[Eastern Sovereign Taiyi] has bestowed an auspicious omen... Congratulations, my lord! Congratulations!"

Wearing a flat-topped crown, Shi Tianzun felt his heart surge as well. "By Supreme Unity's command, I establish the kingdom of 'Great Chu'! We shall honor Fire Virtue and wear vermilion crimson..."

The instant these words were spoken, some nameless power seemed to emerge from the void and pour into his Dao Foundation. It made the foundation shine ever brighter, faintly breaking through another minor realm...

Shi Tianfeng felt something as well, but the feedback he received was far less than Shi Tianzun's, almost negligible.